We were lucky to catch up with Clarence Robinson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Clarence thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?
Now that’s a stumbling block everybodys running into being an entrepreneur. When I created my business, it was for my community, and it turned into greater. Asking your friends and family for support some may come up short because it’s not there. They may not understand your dreams and vision because they’re not clearly on their toes. My support has come less from my family and friends but I don’t focus on who’s not supporting me I focus on who is. That’s really what counts. I focus on my gift and continue to share it with the world. I mean it’s hard for me to charge my mom, and grandma for their food. It’s even harder to charge your friends and family for feeding them when someone passes away. I can count on both hands how many times I’ve donated my gifts for family and friends. I’m also a firm believer in knowing the universe will take care of me!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I was born in Asheville North Carolina, as a military brat and grew up in Hawaii, California and Washington state then came back home I created Cooking With Comedy Catering July, 2011 for my community and it’s youth to get a different outlook on life. I was blessed to find my passion so I wanted to share my recipe on life. Starting off as a non-profit really, I created a Cooking class for the 7 kids at this program to show them meal prep, cutting techniques and plate up’s. And how to stay cool and relaxed in your work environment.
Being recognized nationally and competing on Food Networks Cutthroat Kitchen, I, Chef Clarence Robinson AKA The Flavor King have made a name for myself and opened up doors of opportunity with my food truck venture “Soul on the Road “ and now working on my first brick and mortar location!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
There was definitely a point in my life where I made the wrong decisions. I was definitely on the unsuccessful road until cooking saved my life!”My brother’s wife, Nikoletta, got me a job at Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa 2007 in Asheville. During that time I was dealing with a loss that motivated me even more to get on track. While working on my GED I decided to get my culinary after with the help of Robert Simmons and Anthony Thomas I never looked back on my journey of becoming a Chef. One day at my college a job fair was going on so I decided to attend. I did my little walk through in my Chef’s outfit and Grove Park had a spot. The Chef and person from HR that was attending recognized me from being an employee at GPI and I started cooking for them in 2009! My mother wrote a book about me called “A mother’s cry he’s still my child”. My life story was published and used in our family court for youth at a time when released year’s ago.
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
I’ll never forget this one time I was on a well-deserved vacation. As the waiter approaches asking for our drink order, my phone rings. On the other end, a lady says hello, Chef Robinson. Are you en route? Life paused that instant. I looked at the waiter and said double plum wine, please!
Begin explaining to the lady I had nothing on my schedule. Pulled up my calendar and noticed I had her event scheduled for the wrong weekend. Worst feeling ever even though she was very understanding it took something out of me and I promise myself that would never happen again. That’s one of the reasons I go so hard!
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